Book Review: The Garden Plot by Marty Wingate

net galley disclosure


Yes, I'm stuck in British mystery land this month!

Can't help it- just too many great books came to me at the same time!
But never fear- we have French and American novels coming up for March!


the garden plot cover

Synopsis:

Pru Parke always dreamed of living in England. And after the Dallas native follows an impulse and moves to London, she can’t imagine ever leaving—though she has yet to find a plum position as a head gardener. Now, as the sublet on her flat nears its end, the threat of forced departure looms. Determined to stay in her beloved adopted country, Pru takes small, private gardening jobs throughout the city. 
 
On one such gig in Chelsea, she makes an extraordinary find. Digging in the soil of a potting shed, Pru uncovers an ancient Roman mosaic. But enthusiasm over her discovery is soon dampened when, two days later, she finds in the same spot a man’s bludgeoned corpse. As the London police swarm her worksite, ever inquisitive Pru can’t quite manage to distance herself from the investigation—much to the dismay of stern Detective Chief Inspector Christopher Pearse. It seems that, much as he tries, even handsome DCI Pearse can’t keep Pru safe from a brutal killer who thinks she’s already dug up too much

Review:

Hard to believe this is the author's debut novel! I could NOT but the book down! You'll find yourself rooting for Pru, that she will be able to stay in England, and as each letter of declining to hire her is added by the author to the pages, you will hold up hope, but sense the inevitable. This book was interesting in that instead of being a police procedural from the cop's point of view, it is from the witness' view! By seeing the mystery through her eyes, you get to almost BE her and solve the mystery along with her. Quite an interesting technique! And I for one, will be looking forward to the next book in the series- one can only hope there will be more than one!


About the Author:

Marty Wingate is a regular contributor to  Country Gardens, as well as other magazines. She also leads gardening tours throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, France, and North America. The Garden Plot is her first novel. More Potting Shed mysteries are planned.

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